'An absolute gentleman' - Tributes paid after passing of former Offaly County Councillor

Tributes have been paid after the passing of a former Offaly County Councillor. 

Noel Bourke, Killane, Edenderry passed away peacefully in the wonderful care of Ofalia House, Edenderry last weekend.

Predeceased by his parents Paddy and Bridie, and his brothers Liam and Jim, he will be deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving family, wife Carmel, son Donny, sister Betty and her husband Frank, daughter-in-law Sara, grandsons Pierce and Dylan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, niece, nephews, relatives and friends.

First elected to Offaly County Council in 1991 for Fianna Fail, he proudly served the people of the Edenderry Area up to 2019. 

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Noel on rip.ie with one person writing, "Our sincerest condolences to Carmel and to all of Noel’s family on his sad passing. He was an absolute gentleman, and always a pleasure to chat to. He will be missed. May he rest in peace."

Another wrote, "sincere sympathy to the Bourke family on the sad passing of Noel. A true gentleman. He looked after us when we started our apprenticeships in bnm," with another adding, "our sincere condolences to Carmel and Donny and extended families on the sad passing of Noel. He was an excellent councillor and always a gentleman. May he rest in peace."

"Condolences to the family of Noel, he was a true gentleman and always happy to help anyone, and take part in local clubs and events, may he rest in eternal peace," another person wrote. 

Another tribute reads, "Deepest sympathy to the Bourke family. Noel was a very dedicated and enthusiastic public representative. He worked tirelessly and with goodwill for the communities in North Offaly in a quiet unassuming manner. May he rest in peace."

Noel's funeral Mass took place on Tuesday last at 12 noon in St. Mary's Church, Edenderry followed by burial in St. Mary's cemetery.